Which Revolver for first wheelgun

[Sato Ord]

A revolver that will be nothing but a range gun? Easy for me, I'd get a Ruger Single Six. Two cylinders, one for .22lr and the other for .22mag.

Great gun for target shooting on the range, or just plinking on the ranch. Not bad for small game if you change your mind and want to hunt with it.

 

[jakk280rem]

6" s&w 686+.

 

[oneounceload]

for plinking at the range, a top quality .22/22 mag is perfect AND affordable.......

more power??...a .32

more than that? your basuc .38, especially if you reload.....JMO

 

[jgo296]

22 lr or 357 mag

 

[Chaps]

I was just sighting in my 6" Ruger GP100 today at 25 yards. My crummy vision and shaky twitches not withstanding the groups were really nice. Outshot my buddy with his 4" 686, in fact it wasn't even close but he's about as blind as I am so we go easy on each other. If you go Ruger the half lug 6" barrel is sweet, nice balance.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4532308&postcount=257

 

[Stainz]

I've had too many QC problems with Rugers to suggest them as a 'first' revolver. In addition, none of the .38/.357M SP101s have a barrel over 3" or adjustable sights. I know new S&Ws are a bit more dear - but worth it, in my opinion. I would suggest something in a 4" barrel - with adjustable sights, so you can 'tune' it for your ammo. You cannot beat the utility - and frugal nature - of a .38 Special. As a .357 Magnum chamber will also take .38 Specials - and without worrying over whether they are '+P' or not, get a .357 Magnum. The best buy in a recent S&W like this is the 620. It is a 7-shot L-frame, actually identical to a 686+ except for the barrel. The 620 has a partially lugged barrel - which looks more 'traditional' - and, in my hand, points better than a full lugged barrel, like the standard six shot 686 or the 7-shot 686+. They all share the same gripframe and OEM Hogue grips, as well as the same lockwork. The HKS #587 Speedloader fits the 7-shooters, too. The 620 will be a few bucks cheaper than the 686+.

Now, if you have a .45 ACP bottom feeder - and want to stay with that caliber, consider a S&W 625JM - a .45 ACP revolver. One caveat re your 1911, etc - the revolver will have a bit more felt recoil, as there is no action to work. Of course, it is a true 'big bore', even if it's ammo is widely available and reasonable. The .38s will bounce less - and be even more reasonable.

Of course, a new S&W is an 800# call away from a free pick-up and delivery, should any work be needed.

Stainz

 

[Rmac58]

My first handgun at all is a S&W model 60, .357 magnum three inch barrel, adjustable sights. The only down side I can see, is a lack of full length holsters, I can find only a two inchers.

 

[Markbo]

If it is your first wheel gun I would recommend a Ruger Single Six in .22LR ONLY - not the convertible model. Huge break on ammo cost so more shooting for the same $$. You can then decide if you want more.

 

[Catherine]

Plinking? Here you go!

Ruger Single Six in 22LR.

Ruger Super Single Six in 22LR/22WMR but use 22LR the most. I own one and it is a great firearm. I bought mine between 1998-2001.

Ruger Bisely in 22LR. They don't make them NOW but the one that I have is great! I bought it between 1998-2001.

Ruger Bearcat. Old model or new model. My husband owns a OM one and she is a sweet shooter! The new ones are fantastic too!

Smith and Wesson Model 317 - Kit Gun in 22LR.
Three inch barrel, 8 rounds, Uncle Mike's Grip, etc. I own this model too. Also bought NIB and a sweet gun between 1998-2001.

Some of those older FAMOUS S&W 22LR revolvers are GREAT! I don't own one but I have shot some at a 'shoot'. The owners love those guns!

I don't think that they make the Ruger SP101 in 22LR anymore. I heard that they were sweet guns. My husband has a SP101 in 357Magnum and loves it. If you want to plink... maybe you can find one in a 22LR caliber.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/

The Smith and Wesson Website has some other nice guns but I don't own those models - mine are PRE lock ones.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/

Best wishes!

Catherine

 

[GingerGuy]

Ruger SP101...does it's job very well.



Ruger has a good one with the SP101. It's a solid revolver,
I picked up this one used for $410.

 

[Gunsby_Blazen]

Get a Ruger or a Smith.
I say if your wanting a single action go with Ruger.
If you are wanting a double action go with Smith and Wesson.

Within each company, there are tons to choose from, especially with Smith and their double actions. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the models in both companies.

Advice aside, I am a Ruger fan, I cant help it. One I would like to get is that low glare stainless .454/45lc Super Redhawk.

 

[BillyBothHands]

S&W model 10 if you want double action.

However if you just intend on keeping it at the range I will suggest the new model Ruger Vaquero. I purchased one recently in 357 with a 4 5/8 barrel. I you want some distance they have it in longer barrels. The trigger pull out of the box is fantastic. For some the downside on the range is just the top frame groove for the rear sight. If you want a rear sight the blackhawk is the way to go. I lean towards single actions for paper punching and the rugers all have a nice clean trigger.

 

[20nickels]

8" .38 or .357. I want one for the sight radius.

 

[easyrider604]

easy shooting revolver and I do not have any intentions of using it for hunting or self defense. Basically just a range gun.

First choice: For double action - Smith Wesson M-17/617 .22LR in any dash version, 6 or 10 shot cylinder, preferably with a 6 inch barrel.

For single action - Ruger Single Six .22LR with 6 inch barrel

Second Choice: For double action - Any Smith K or L frame, or the Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum/.38spl with 6 inch barrels.

For single action - Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in .357/.38

 

[jairadio]

First revolver

You will get many suggestions here, I would suggest to take your time purchasing it. Visit a few Gun Shops, put them in your hand, what feels good to me, may not to you. If you want the economical approach, look at a .22 cal (Go to the S&W site) and take a look. At the range I use a .22 cal, also I use a Model 60 3 inch barrel, .357 magnum. But I will never shoot a .357 round out of a J frame, regular .38 special rounds are really nice and something you will enjoy shooting. Also you can use it as a daily carry gun in a IWB or OWB holster. Off course what you see at the S&W site will all have locks on them, check around if you don't like the new ones and look for a pre-lock. Good Luck, you'll find one you like and after that purchase you will be hooked on revolvers.

Note: For Rmac58
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...1&parent_category_rn=16259&top_category=16259

http://www.bhlstore.com/shop/category.asp?catid=229

 

[Stainz]

Below you'll see my latest - a 4" 627 Pro - from S&W. This is an 8-shot N-frame .357 Magnum. Mine will never see 'real' Magnums - just my down-loaded .357Ms and .38 Specials. It is but a few days old - and it has a permanent home. It's dirty... sorry - it went to two different ranges yesterday - probably another trip Monday. I've already cleaned it twice - and I bought it Thursday! It borrowed the 625JM's HiViz front sight... both revolvers have spring-loaded front sights - quite an enhancement!

Below it is a 625JM, my second such revolver. I've had this one for well over three years now - it takes moonclips of six .45 ACPs at a time. The moonclips are reasonable - $30/100 delivered - and I've never discarded one that I didn't bend or file - they last! You can buy good American made .45 ACP ball ammo at Wally World for $82/250 - frugal, in recoil and cost, big bore fun.



Stainz

 

[jairadio]

Stainz, Very nice duo, when I first looked at the top one I thought it was a Model 60 Pro series, I know yours is a larger frame but they sure look the same except for size.